Lester Piggott RIP

I understood he had been ill and in hospital but according to the BBC news website, Haggas said he died in Switzerland.
 
What a jockey he was, the best I've see in 50 years of racing. Was a big factor in guiding the Haggas stable to the monolith it's become, too.
Saw many of his rides,but the abiding memory is travelling to Donny to see him snare the Triple Crown on Nijinsky.
Fond memories - RIP Lester.
 
I first saw him at 1979 Irish Derby .
Remember going between stewards to get his autograph as he went to parade ring; thought they would evict me !
Then at Goff's Million sales 1987 , he was on his own at the top tier away from everyone.
Not knowing about his upcoming court case, I thought him the loneliest person on this planet there alone just two short years after his retirement.
HIs comeback was massive, a crowded Curragh midweek meet saw him ride four winners for Vincent .
Nostalgia became reality when Royal Academy came good ten days later but Lester needed a little sleight of hand to get his US riding permit when answering the "Criminal record " question.
Finally thought he was killed when Mr Brooks fell in BC Sprint at Gulfstream Park as I happened to be there also.
Thankfully I was thirty years out, so may he Rest In Peace
 
edgt said:
I first saw him at 1979 Irish Derby .
Remember going between stewards to get his autograph as he went to parade ring; thought they would evict me !
Then at Goff's Million sales 1987 , he was on his own at the top tier away from everyone.
Not knowing about his upcoming court case, I thought him the loneliest person on this planet there alone just two short years after his retirement.
HIs comeback was massive, a crowded Curragh midweek meet saw him ride four winners for Vincent .
Nostalgia became reality when Royal Academy came good ten days later but Lester needed a little sleight of hand to get his US riding permit when answering the "Criminal record " question.
Finally thought he was killed when Mr Brooks fell in BC Sprint at Gulfstream Park as I happened to be there also.
Thankfully I was thirty years out, so may he Rest In Peace
Click to expand...

Is there more to the US permit story?
 
Referred to in passing in Ivor Herbert and Jacqueline O'Brien's biography of Vincent O'Brien.
They had two problems, a limited company could not run a horse in New York without fingerprints of all shareholders and Lester's application to ride included the question "have you served a prison sentence ? "
They looked for a higher authority and both matters were overcome.
It would not be allowed happen now !
 
I read only a few hours ago he was ok and his daughter was taking him home? So this comes as a shock when I logged in.

When you think of those coffee and cigar breakfasts he had when riding and constantly wasting it speaks volumes about how tough he was to have lived along life to 86.

His old rival Ron Hutchinson who's still alive said "He was trying to ride 8st 3lb, when he should’ve naturally been walking around ten stone. He was dedicated all his life.

R.I.P.
 
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I watched a few Derbies from the 70s and 80s a couple of years ago. Lester was obviously the king of Epsom, but watch where he’s positioned. He always has his mount in the first half dozen, whether he’s on the favourite or an also-ran. That clearly is the way to ride a Derby. And how many times did he literally drag a horse over the line with him? Not just in the Derby - although Roberto and The Minstrel spring to mind - but countless other times too.

RIP.
 
Simply the best. The best. Huge chunk of my childhood watching my Dad study and study and study when we were at Royal Ascot on the Heath or big race occasions watched on the tele, and he'd always back him, to win. Never each way.
He made a good age considering the harshness of a lot of his life, but still very sad for his family and friends, and for all those who grew up watching him and just loved watching him on a horse.
 
Len Madeiros said:
I watched a few Derbies from the 70s and 80s a couple of years ago. Lester was obviously the king of Epsom, but watch where he’s positioned. He always has his mount in the first half dozen, whether he’s on the favourite or an also-ran. That clearly is the way to ride a Derby. And how many times did he literally drag a horse over the line with him? Not just in the Derby - although Roberto and The Minstrel spring to mind - but countless other times too.

RIP.
Click to expand...

Dettori does it too. Obviously learned from him.
 
Probably the greatest European jockey of all time -his wins on Royal Academy -Breeders Cup and Rodrigo de Triano Guineas/Champion Stakes are standout memories.
 
Filched this from the RP:
Carrozza, 1957 Oaks

Sir Noel Murless believed Lester Piggott was never finer than when winning Epsom's fillies' Classic in the colours of the Queen on Carrozza, a filly who was small in stature but big in heart.

Piggott gave the royal runner what was already his trademark Epsom ride, which was to sit fifth or sixth around Tattenham Corner before picking off the leaders and riding a finish.

Carrozza was sent into the lead a quarter-mile from home, but with the Queen and her mother watching, she then needed all of Piggott's powerful assistance to hold off Silken Glider, who flashed home wide and late under Jimmy Eddery.

Carrozza: the Queen leads in her first Classic winner after Lester lands the Oaks in 1957
Carrozza: the Queen leads in her first Classic winner after Lester lands the Oaks in 1957
Hulton Archive

Ribocco, 1967 Irish Derby

Although tremendously talented, Ribocco was not a straightforward horse, not least because he resented being hit with the whip. He required not bullying from the saddle but artistry, which he received from Piggott in the Curragh Classic.

Horse and jockey had already teamed up when running a fine race to take second in the Derby. He went one better in Ireland. In front of a 60,000 crowd Piggott pulled Ribocco out of the slipstream of Sucaryl at the furlong pole and then, using only gentle hands and heels riding, conjured out of him a stunning burst of acceleration that ate up the leader's advantage in thrilling fashion.
Ribero 1968 St Leger

Piggott again showed he was anything but a one-trick jockey when giving Ribocco's brother Ribero the most exquisite ride at Doncaster.

Piggott by now knew full well the progeny of Ribot could be temperamental. He also also knew that, like Ribocco, Ribero would not respond favourably to the whip, while an abscess in the colt's mouth had burst the night before, leaving him in a particularly mulish mood.

Finesse was needed, and it was produced, with Piggott coaxing and persuading his mount to win by a short-head on horribly deep ground.

Writing in his autobiography, Piggott said: "That was one ride about which even I could allow myself a little satisfaction."
Sir Ivor 1968 Washington International

With the Breeders' Cup still many years from being born, European raids on America's top races were rare. Indeed, when Sir Ivor went to Laurel Park he was the first Derby winner to run in the United States for 45 years.

He bridged that gap with a stylish success, but to do so he first had to make up a three-length deficit entering the final furlong. Galvanised into action by Piggott, Sir Ivor quickened superbly in testing conditions and eventually won eased down, yet the American press still slated the winning jockey for giving his mount too much to do.

"It may just be possible I knew a little bit more about Sir Ivor than they did," Piggott observed wryly in response.
Roberto, 1972 Derby

There was no one like Lester at Epsom and on no day was he as brilliant as when taking Classic honours aboard Roberto. It was not pretty but it was incredibly effective.

For the final furlong and a half the Derby was distilled into an eyeball to eyeball duel between Roberto and Rheingold, who leaned in on his opponent.

In a breathless, furious conclusion, Piggott not only managed to balance Roberto but also to ride him as strongly as possible, which he did in the most memorable fashion and with much whipping, about which he later said: "I had to win and he wasn't doing much for me. I felt he could go faster if only he would."
The Minstrel, 1977 Derby

The Minstrel might well not have run at Epsom but for Piggott. He certainly would not have won without him.

Piggott convinced Vincent O'Brien The Minstrel – beaten in both the British and Irish 2,000 Guineas – should line up in the Derby and told him he would ride the colt if he did take part. The ride he gave him became legendary.

Lester Piggott returns after winning the Derby at Epsom on The Minstrel in 1977
Lester Piggott returns after winning the Derby at Epsom on The Minstrel in 1977

All down the home straight The Minstrel was in pursuit of Hot Grove, who looked to have stolen the race under Willie Carson. Piggott convinced his white-faced mount otherwise and, using his whip repeatedly in the closing stage, got The Minstrel past Hot Grove in the final strides.
The Minstrel, 1977 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes

Events at Epsom one month earlier showed that in The Minstrel Lester Piggott had an extremely willing partner. He called on the Robert Sangster-owned three-year-old's commitment once again at Ascot in the sport's midsummer highlight.

The Hot Grove in this particular showdown was Orange Bay, who grabbed the lead two furlongs out, at which point The Minstrel was around two to three lengths behind but with momentum building. To bridge every inch of the deficit was a struggle but The Minstrel fought like a lion and edged ahead well inside the final furlong, helped by the irresistible urgings of his jockey.
Commanche Run, 1984 St Leger

At the start of Leger week there was no Leger ride for Piggott. Not for the first time, however, he was involved in a jocking-off sensation, with owner Ivan Allan informing Luca Cumani he wanted his old friend to replace Darrel McHargue on Commanche Run.

Allan had good reason to pat himself on the back. Piggott was sublime on Commanche Run, who he realised was not a horse with searing acceleration. He therefore rode him prominently before going for home half a mile from the line. It was a race-winning move, for no rival could get past. Piggott had won his 28th British Classic.
Royal Academy, 1990 Breeders' Cup Mile

"I just don't believe it," said Graham Goode at the end of his Channel 4 commentary. Given what had just happened was scarcely believable, you could understand his incredulity.

Five years after retiring, and having spent a year in jail during that time, Piggott came out of retirement on a Monday at Leicester and, 12 days later, rode like a man possessed to win on Royal Academy, who made up acres of ground down the short Belmont Park home straight, winning the race with one of the long, withering runs for which Piggott had been famed in his long heyday.

"You don't forget," he said after the race. Great line. Great ride.
Mr Brooks, 1992 July Cup

Thirty-five years after winning the July Cup for the first time, Piggott won it for the tenth time, bringing Mr Brooks from last place with a ride that highlighted his then 56-year-old jockey's daring, timing and horsemanship.

Two furlongs out the 16-1 outsider still had all eight rivals to pass. Piggott waited before trying to go past them, mindful that the sprinter beneath him was hanging on the fast ground and needed time to find his legs. Once he found them he moved them extremely quickly under his veteran partner, who kept him straight without halting the propulsion that was taking them forward.
In Piggott’s own words: My greatest ride was Royal Academy

"This was a very special occasion. I’d come out of retirement only 12 days earlier, but even more pleasing was landing such a prize – the largest single purse I ever won – for Vincent O’Brien, with whom I had enjoyed so many indelible memories and who had been very instrumental in my return.

"Royal Academy had not run over a mile since the Irish 2,000 Guineas and I rode him to get the trip, sitting well off the pace before making up ground on the home turn. As we straightened up he lost his action completely – maybe he put his foot in a hole – but showed great heart to get back into contention, sweeping up the outside to collar Itsallgreektome and win by a neck. No moment in my career ever tasted sweeter."

Lester Piggott:
Carrozza, 1957 Oaks

Sir Noel Murless believed Lester Piggott was never finer than when winning Epsom's fillies' Classic in the colours of the Queen on Carrozza, a filly who was small in stature but big in heart.

Piggott gave the royal runner what was already his trademark Epsom ride, which was to sit fifth or sixth around Tattenham Corner before picking off the leaders and riding a finish.

Carrozza was sent into the lead a quarter-mile from home, but with the Queen and her mother watching, she then needed all of Piggott's powerful assistance to hold off Silken Glider, who flashed home wide and late under Jimmy Eddery.

Carrozza: the Queen leads in her first Classic winner after Lester lands the Oaks in 1957
Carrozza: the Queen leads in her first Classic winner after Lester lands the Oaks in 1957
Hulton Archive

Ribocco, 1967 Irish Derby

Although tremendously talented, Ribocco was not a straightforward horse, not least because he resented being hit with the whip. He required not bullying from the saddle but artistry, which he received from Piggott in the Curragh Classic.

Horse and jockey had already teamed up when running a fine race to take second in the Derby. He went one better in Ireland. In front of a 60,000 crowd Piggott pulled Ribocco out of the slipstream of Sucaryl at the furlong pole and then, using only gentle hands and heels riding, conjured out of him a stunning burst of acceleration that ate up the leader's advantage in thrilling fashion.
Ribero 1968 St Leger

Piggott again showed he was anything but a one-trick jockey when giving Ribocco's brother Ribero the most exquisite ride at Doncaster.

Piggott by now knew full well the progeny of Ribot could be temperamental. He also also knew that, like Ribocco, Ribero would not respond favourably to the whip, while an abscess in the colt's mouth had burst the night before, leaving him in a particularly mulish mood.

Finesse was needed, and it was produced, with Piggott coaxing and persuading his mount to win by a short-head on horribly deep ground.

Writing in his autobiography, Piggott said: "That was one ride about which even I could allow myself a little satisfaction."
Sir Ivor 1968 Washington International

With the Breeders' Cup still many years from being born, European raids on America's top races were rare. Indeed, when Sir Ivor went to Laurel Park he was the first Derby winner to run in the United States for 45 years.

He bridged that gap with a stylish success, but to do so he first had to make up a three-length deficit entering the final furlong. Galvanised into action by Piggott, Sir Ivor quickened superbly in testing conditions and eventually won eased down, yet the American press still slated the winning jockey for giving his mount too much to do.

"It may just be possible I knew a little bit more about Sir Ivor than they did," Piggott observed wryly in response.
Roberto, 1972 Derby

There was no one like Lester at Epsom and on no day was he as brilliant as when taking Classic honours aboard Roberto. It was not pretty but it was incredibly effective.

For the final furlong and a half the Derby was distilled into an eyeball to eyeball duel between Roberto and Rheingold, who leaned in on his opponent.

In a breathless, furious conclusion, Piggott not only managed to balance Roberto but also to ride him as strongly as possible, which he did in the most memorable fashion and with much whipping, about which he later said: "I had to win and he wasn't doing much for me. I felt he could go faster if only he would."
The Minstrel, 1977 Derby

The Minstrel might well not have run at Epsom but for Piggott. He certainly would not have won without him.

Piggott convinced Vincent O'Brien The Minstrel – beaten in both the British and Irish 2,000 Guineas – should line up in the Derby and told him he would ride the colt if he did take part. The ride he gave him became legendary.

Lester Piggott returns after winning the Derby at Epsom on The Minstrel in 1977
Lester Piggott returns after winning the Derby at Epsom on The Minstrel in 1977

All down the home straight The Minstrel was in pursuit of Hot Grove, who looked to have stolen the race under Willie Carson. Piggott convinced his white-faced mount otherwise and, using his whip repeatedly in the closing stage, got The Minstrel past Hot Grove in the final strides.
The Minstrel, 1977 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes

Events at Epsom one month earlier showed that in The Minstrel Lester Piggott had an extremely willing partner. He called on the Robert Sangster-owned three-year-old's commitment once again at Ascot in the sport's midsummer highlight.

The Hot Grove in this particular showdown was Orange Bay, who grabbed the lead two furlongs out, at which point The Minstrel was around two to three lengths behind but with momentum building. To bridge every inch of the deficit was a struggle but The Minstrel fought like a lion and edged ahead well inside the final furlong, helped by the irresistible urgings of his jockey.
Commanche Run, 1984 St Leger

At the start of Leger week there was no Leger ride for Piggott. Not for the first time, however, he was involved in a jocking-off sensation, with owner Ivan Allan informing Luca Cumani he wanted his old friend to replace Darrel McHargue on Commanche Run.

Allan had good reason to pat himself on the back. Piggott was sublime on Commanche Run, who he realised was not a horse with searing acceleration. He therefore rode him prominently before going for home half a mile from the line. It was a race-winning move, for no rival could get past. Piggott had won his 28th British Classic.
Royal Academy, 1990 Breeders' Cup Mile

"I just don't believe it," said Graham Goode at the end of his Channel 4 commentary. Given what had just happened was scarcely believable, you could understand his incredulity.

Five years after retiring, and having spent a year in jail during that time, Piggott came out of retirement on a Monday at Leicester and, 12 days later, rode like a man possessed to win on Royal Academy, who made up acres of ground down the short Belmont Park home straight, winning the race with one of the long, withering runs for which Piggott had been famed in his long heyday.

"You don't forget," he said after the race. Great line. Great ride.
Mr Brooks, 1992 July Cup

Thirty-five years after winning the July Cup for the first time, Piggott won it for the tenth time, bringing Mr Brooks from last place with a ride that highlighted his then 56-year-old jockey's daring, timing and horsemanship.
In Piggott’s own words: My greatest ride was Royal Academy

"This was a very special occasion. I’d come out of retirement only 12 days earlier, but even more pleasing was landing such a prize – the largest single purse I ever won – for Vincent O’Brien, with whom I had enjoyed so many indelible memories and who had been very instrumental in my return.

"Royal Academy had not run over a mile since the Irish 2,000 Guineas and I rode him to get the trip, sitting well off the pace before making up ground on the home turn. As we straightened up he lost his action completely – maybe he put his foot in a hole – but showed great heart to get back into contention, sweeping up the outside to collar Itsallgreektome and win by a neck. No moment in my career ever tasted sweeter."

Lester Piggott:

Two furlongs out the 16-1 outsider still had all eight rivals to pass. Piggott waited before trying to go past them, mindful that the sprinter beneath him was hanging on the fast ground and needed time to find his legs. Once he found them he moved them extremely quickly under his veteran
 
"He went one better in Ireland. In front of a 60,000 crowd"

They'd be lucky to get a tenth of this at the end of the month...
 
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